Clay Balls are a reusable growing medium for indoor plants, orchids and decorative glass planters. The firm balls support the roots while the spaces between them allow water and air to move through the container.
Clay Balls can also be mixed with suitable potting materials or spread over the surface of plant pots. Available in 1kg and 5kg packs.
Why Use Them
- Suitable for growing plants without ordinary soil
- Leaves open spaces for water and air movement
- Useful for orchids and indoor foliage plants
- Can be added to suitable potting mixtures
- Works as decorative top dressing
- Easy to remove, wash and reuse
Product Details
| Detail |
Information |
| Material |
Clay |
| Surface |
Non-porous |
| Form |
Rounded balls |
| Colour |
Terracotta and light brown shades |
| Main uses |
Growing medium, potting mixes and top dressing |
| Suitable for |
Indoor plants, orchids and decorative planters |
| Pack sizes |
1kg and 5kg |
Individual balls can vary slightly in size, shape, colour and surface finish.
Soil-Free Use
Clay Balls can be used as the main growing medium in glass containers and other suitable planters.
- Rinse the clay balls with clean water.
- Remove the plant from its old pot and gently wash soil from the roots.
- Add some clay balls to the bottom of the clean container.
- Position the plant and fill around the roots until it stands securely.
- Add water according to the needs of the plant.
Potting Mix
Clay Balls can be combined with suitable potting materials to add larger spaces within the mixture. Water can pass between the balls instead of being held inside them.
Use them with a growing medium suited to the selected plant. They do not replace the complete potting mixture or the drainage holes in the container.
For orchids, they may be used with bark, charcoal or other suitable coarse materials. For common indoor plants, they can be added to an appropriate soilless potting mix.
Top Dressing
Spread the balls over exposed potting medium to give indoor and outdoor planters a clean finish.
Leave a small open space around stems, trunks and new shoots. Move a few balls aside before watering so you can check whether the potting medium underneath is still moist.
Plant Care
Place the plant in the light recommended for its variety. Transparent containers should be protected from strong direct sunlight because light and nutrient-rich water can encourage algae.
Plants grown without soil depend on the water supply for nutrition. Use a suitable liquid fertilizer at a strength appropriate for the plant. Avoid adding several fertilizers together.
Check the roots regularly. Healthy roots are usually firm, while soft, dark or bad-smelling roots can indicate that they have remained too wet.
Cleaning
Remove old roots and plant debris before washing used clay balls with clean water. Allow them to dry before storing or using them again.
Do not transfer uncleaned balls from a plant affected by root disease to another container.
FAQs
Do the clay balls need to be soaked before use?
No. They are non-porous and do not need soaking to fill internal spaces. Rinse them before use to remove loose clay dust.
Why is algae growing inside my glass planter?
Algae develops when light reaches water containing plant nutrients. Clean the container and keep it away from strong direct sunlight.
Can a plant be moved directly from soil into clay balls?
Yes, but the roots must be cleaned carefully and the plant may need time to adjust. Remove old soil gently and watch the plant closely during the first few weeks.
How much will I need for one planter?
The amount depends on the width and depth of the container and the size of the plant’s root system. Filling a deep glass planter requires more than mixing a small amount into potting medium or covering the surface.
Common Names: Clay Balls, Clay Growing Balls, Clay Balls for Plants, Soil-Free Clay Medium
